RAIL fares in the North could double to pay for better services under plans being considered by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Shock proposals in a consultation document on new Northern Rail and Trans-Pennine franchises could end regional fare differences, Mr McLoughlin admitted.

Commuters in the North pay as little as half the fares charged elsewhere for short journeys.

The franchises are due to be awarded late next year and will come into force in February 2016.

I want to see improved services. We are investing a lot of money into rail in the North, the Northern Hub and the new Trans-Pennine services

Patrick McLoughlin

The document highlights the regional difference in ticket prices and asks whether there is a “trade-off” between increasing prices and improving services.

Addressed to councils and train firms, it asks: “What are your views on increasing below-average fares to levels on the rest of the network to improve the frequency, ­capacity and quality of local services?” Asked if he was ruling out harmonising fares, Mr McLoughlin said: “I am not. I am not ruling it in, either.

“I want to see improved services. We are investing a lot of money into rail in the North, the Northern Hub and the new Trans-Pennine services.” An annual season ticket for the 17 miles between Huddersfield and Leeds is £1,304, but a ­similar journey between Dunton Green, Kent, and London Bridge costs £2,664.